Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr addresses the indefinite absence of Kristaps Porzingis due to a health issue.
Kristaps Porzingis is currently out indefinitely with an undisclosed health issue ahead of the 2026-27 NBA campaign, raising concerns within the Golden State Warriors organization.
Head coach Steve Kerr told reporters that he has not seen the player yet and admitted that the situation is definitely concerning, casting a shadow over the start of the team training camp.
The team opened camp in Hawai'i before playing its first preseason game against the Los Angeles Clippers in Honolulu, while Porzingis did not travel with the squad, according to information published by bleache.
Steve Kerr and Team Staff Address the Situation
General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. stated last week that there is still a chance the center will start the season with the team, noting he is simply not available this week.
Before this latest setback, Porzingis had been participating in offseason events at the facility, with Dunleavy mentioning that the issue just kind of popped up unexpectedly.
Porzingis joined the Golden State Warriors last year after being traded by the Atlanta Hawks, quickly establishing himself as an effective big man when available on the court.
History of Health Struggles and Past Diagnoses
The 7-foot-3 player has missed a combined 90 games over the past two seasons because of various health issues, severely impacting his availability for consistent play.
In February 2025, during his time with the Boston Celtics, he began experiencing a prolonged upper respiratory viral illness that sidelined him for extended periods.
Ahead of the previous campaign, Porzingis revealed a diagnosis of POTS, a disease affecting the autonomic nervous system and nerves regulating blood flow.
Impact of POTS on the NBA Player
According to the Mayo Clinic, POTS causes severe symptoms like an overly rapid heartbeat and persistent shortness of breath during physical exertion.
Porzingis described his experience to reporter Fred Katz of The Athletic by stating that it hit him like a truck and his engine was not running the way he wanted.
Last season, despite these ongoing health hurdles, he managed to put up 16.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game across 32 contests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Kristaps Porzingis out indefinitely?
Kristaps Porzingis is sidelined due to an undisclosed health issue ahead of the 2026-27 season, following past battles with POTS and a respiratory illness.
What did Steve Kerr say about Kristaps Porzingis?
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr told reporters that he has not seen Porzingis yet and admitted that the ongoing health situation is definitely concerning.
Will Kristaps Porzingis miss the start of the NBA season?
General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. stated that there is still a chance Porzingis will start the season with the team, even though he is not currently available.
What health issues has Kristaps Porzingis faced previously?
Kristaps Porzingis missed 90 games over two seasons due to a prolonged upper respiratory viral illness and a diagnosis of POTS, which affects blood flow and breathing.
